In recent years the music program has become a target for cuts by those who would deny the significance of research and recommendations by their own professional associations that indicate the importance of a strong arts curriculum in the social, academic and intellectual development of the total student. Among decisions that have directly affected the delivery of the music program are those listed below.

1. Elimination of the position of Music Supervisor
2. Elimination of Grade 5 band
3. Elimination of two band teachers
4. Elimination of the middle high choral teacher
5. Reduction of elementary general music position(s) resulting in the loss of one-half of the student opportunity to participate in general music
6. Elimination of music theory/music history at the high school

As the district has grown, student loads of the music faculty have dramatically increased with no consideration given to the effect on teacher morale or student achievement. Examples include the following.

1. Mainstreaming of students with special needs into music classes that are already excessively large has further complicated the teaching/learning process.

2. Music teachers have been assigned teaching and/or non-teaching tasks that have resulted in loss of equal "prep time".

3. As enrollment has grown, classrooms have been combined so that general music teachers must provide instruction to larger groups of students. This action has in some situations had the effect of reducing instruction time so that classroom teachers can have "prep time".

4. Implementation of the block schedule has reduced elective options for students while at the same time eliminating curricular diversity in the music program. In addition, there is evidence that the music teaching positions eliminated as part of the budget reduction process were actually used to provide for additional teachers needed to cover classes because more classroom teachers are now on "prep time" during each period with implementation of the block schedule.

While most of these factors do not appear to have been directed with the intent to attack the music program, they have caused increasing stress upon the health of the music curriculum. The fact that participation in music (choir and band) has continued to grow is a credit to a diligent faculty and partly due to increased enrollment in district.

Assumptions

In times of budget crisis and/or restructure and reform it is important to establish principles that provide for integrity of administrative function and management (fiscal responsibility). However, it is of primary importance to provide a process in which every decision is evaluated on the basis of its long term effect on the student. With these factors in mind the following limited study provides for saving:

• Money
• Curricular Integrity
• Student Opportunities in Music
• Teaching Positions

Further, the following "Assumptions" have been applied.

1. The primary emphasis in determining what reductions to make should be placed on maintaining the quality of instruction in the classroom.
2. Programs with fewer pupils impacted adversely should be reduced or eliminated before programs with lower cost/benefit ratios.
3. Long term financial savings are not guaranteed by program reductions, but may be realized by investing in those programs that have the potential for the greatest student-faculty ratios.

The degree to which an institution succeeds is in direct relation to its ability to focus the various constituent bodies on the achievement of its mission.

The focal point of the educational mission is the student, i.e., student outcome. In other words, what is best for the student is best for the institution.

The primary constituent of the SHSD is the community. The community elects a Board of Directors to establish policy, who in turn employ a body of administrators and teachers to fulfill the educational mission.

The tradition of academic excellence within the SHSD is a reflection of a community in which high standards are a result of cultural expectation. The demand for academic excellence has historically included a strong music program.

With that understanding and appreciation for the opportunity, the following is a brief study examining short and long term impacts of cuts targeted in the SHSD music program. Further, recommendations will be made as to program reinstatement and/or adjustment for the purpose of providing curricular stability and fiscal effectiveness.

Home
Introduction
Short and Long Term Impacts
Curriculum Impacts
Student Participation Impacts
Economic Impacts
Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations
Appendix A
What Makes A Strong Program
Bibliography
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